24 Protein-Rich Vegan Tempeh Recipes

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by Alena Schowalter
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Packed with plant-based protein, tempeh is a fantastic addition to your cooking. Enjoy this fermented soy in gyozas, pizza, wraps, tacos, and more! 

Tempeh is a nutritious protein made from fermenting pressed soybeans, making it fiber-rich while still easily digestible. 

Once you get familiar with tempeh, you will love it! With 19 grams of protein per 100 grams, it’s a great staple ingredient to keep on hand for easy nutrient-dense dinners. 

Enjoy this diverse list of vegan tempeh recipes and try our TVP, seitan, and soy curls recipes next for more vegan meaty goodness!

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Best Vegan Tempeh Recipes

Easy Tempeh Vegan Gyros
Grab a paper-wrapped gyro and stroll the street for an al fresco lunch with this homemade Greek-inspired recipe. Fresh red onion, sliced tomato, and tangy vegan tzatziki sauce accommodate the savory and salty tempeh in a marriage of mouthwatering flavors!
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Photo credit: jessicainthekitchen.com
Vegan tempeh gyros
Peanut Noodle Salad with Satay Tempeh
Belly up to the kitchen counter and enjoy a bowl of peanut-coated noodles topped with crispy tempeh satay. This noodle dish is a fantastic fusion of flavors and ingredients. Sliced cucumber lightens the creamy peanut sauce while also giving a pleasant crunch!
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Photo credit: www.okonomikitchen.com
ramen peanut noodle salad with bell pepper and cucumbers with tempeh
Teriyaki Tempeh and Vegetables
This one-sheet pan recipe is perfect for a lazy dinner. Roughly chopped vegetables and tempeh are coated in a sweet yet tangy teriyaki sauce and baked for 30 minutes. A sprinkle of sesame seeds rounds off the experience with an added nuttiness – great with rice!
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Photo credit: www.emilieeats.com
teriyaki tempeh vegetables
Tempeh Bolognese
Relax at the end of the day with a comforting bowl of vegan bolognese. Meaty tempeh and sauteed mushrooms create an unami depth to the sauce that is balanced with sweet tomato and acidic wine. This bolognese is delicious on pasta, zoodles, baked potato, and more!
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Photo credit: thenewbaguette.com
tempeh bolognese
Marinated Peanut Tempeh
Perfectly caramelized, this baked peanut tempeh is a crowd-pleaser. Nutty tempeh is marinated in a chili-infused peanut sauce before baking until sticky and hot – meal-prep friendly!
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Photo credit: minimalistbaker.com
baked peanut tempeh
Marinated Tempeh Salad
Upgrade your kale salad this summer with an Asian-inspired twist. Pan-fried tempeh is coated in a soy maple glaze and then tossed warm into a bed of shredded kale. A hearty, protein-rich salad can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!
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Photo credit: fullofplants.com
refreshing and easy vegan marinated tempeh salad
Tempeh Chickpea Burgers
Craving a juicy burger? This tempeh chickpea patty is downright delicious and packed with plant-based protein. Nutty tempeh and soft chickpeas are the ideal base, while umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes add depth – burger perfection!
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Photo credit: thegardenparty.com
protein packed tempeh chickpea burgers recipe
Vegan Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)
Tiny purses of stuffed dumplings are a blissful sight on the dinner menu. And while you might be tempted to reach for a frozen pre-made package, these fresh homemade gyoza are easy to make and better than store-bought! Pack your own fridge with easy grab-and-cook dumplings!
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Photo credit: www.lafujimama.com
Vegan Gyoza
Vegan Pizza with Tempeh Sausage
Vegan sausage pizza is on the menu with this quality recipe. A fresh dough is formed and shaped, then topped with tempeh sausage crumble, mushrooms, and olives. A classic flavor pairing that is a family favorite!
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Photo credit: www.noracooks.com
tempeh pizza
BBQ Baked Tempeh Chips
Stop aimlessly wandering the snack aisle and quickly make a batch of crispy BBQ tempeh chips instead. These protein-packed chips are perfect for crave-worthy dips, salsa, or chunky salads!
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Photo credit: www.eatingbirdfood.com
bbq tempeh chips
Tempeh Lentil Stew with Potatoes
Cozy tempeh stew is a winter must. Gravy-like broth envelopes root vegetables and nutty tofu in a savory hug. The bubbling pot gives warmth to your bowl and will have your spoon dipping back in for seconds, thirds, and fourths!
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Photo credit: cookingforpeanuts.com
Tempeh Lentil Stew with Potatoes and rice
Smoky Tempeh Avocado Wrap
Enjoy this protein-rich smoky wrap for lunch or light dinner. Marinated tempeh adds a gorgeous weight to the dish, while creamy avocado soothes the flavors with a velvety richness. Great for a meal on the go!
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Photo credit: theplantbasedwok.com
vegan tempeh wrap
Tempeh Khao Soi
Immerse yourself in a bowl of curry-spiked noodles. An adventurous dish carefully crafted with the right balance of citrus, umami, spice, and textures. Chunks of tempeh add a chewy meatiness to the bowl that goes well with the soft rice noodles!
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Photo credit: fullofplants.com
tempeh khao soi easy coconut noodles soup
10-Minute Tempeh Sandwich
Assemble a filling and satisfying lunch with this pesto tempeh sandwich in a few minutes. Slices of hickory smoked tempeh are pan-fried until crispy then join the sandwich with cheese, avocado, and lettuce – ready in 10 minutes!
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Photo credit: naturallieplantbased.com
smoky tempeh sandwich
Tempeh Chili
Fill your bowl with wholesome comfort and a full serving of vegetables with this tempeh chili. Packed with 20 grams of protein, it's a great dish to cozy and refuel with on a chilly evening!
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Photo credit: www.makingthymeforhealth.com
The Best Tempeh Chili
Lemon Kale Tempeh Pasta
Lovely yellow lemons are the secret ingredient to this zesty tempeh pasta. Cubes of steamed tempeh are tossed into wilted garlic kale and pasta. This summery dish is a great picnic recipe infused with lemon zest and a spritz of juice!
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Photo credit: weelittlevegans.com
Lemon Kale Tempeh Pastas
Crispy Panko Crusted Tempeh Fries
Add a dollop of your favorite dips and sauces to your plate and dig into a batch of hot tempeh fries. An oven-baked and nutritious meal, these panko-coated tempeh strips are the perfect side dish or snack!
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Photo credit: www.connoisseurusveg.com
panko crusted tempeh fries
Spicy Crunch Roll with Tempeh
Rethink vegan sushi with this protein-rich tempeh roll. A filling of spicy mayo and chilled steamed fermented soy are layered with avocado slices and tightly wrapped into a satiating roll. Kids and parents alike will love this sushi – easily customizable!
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Photo credit: www.livveganstrong.com
Vegan Sushi
Tempeh Taco Filling
Mexican-spiced tempeh is the best taco filling. Seasoned with aromatic spices, this recipe is rich in umami flavor that's oh-so-satisfying! Try this high-protein dinner!
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Photo credit: gratefulgrazer.com
Tempeh Taco Filling
Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tempeh
Creamy and herbal, this white sauce pasta is a dish that everyone will love. Simmered tempeh is coated in cashew cream sauce and expertly thinned with pasta water for a velvety consistency – meal-prep friendly!
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Photo credit: thepeskyvegan.com
creamy vegan pasta tempeh mushroom broccoli
Tempeh Vegan Ribs
A slab of tempeh BBQ ribs is a meal to unite the family. Tender and chewy tempeh is generously coated in a homemade BBQ sauce that's sweet and savory. A garnish of sesame seed and green onion brings out the delicious Asian–inspired ingredients!
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Photo credit: ohmyveggies.com
Tempeh vegan ribs recipe
Tempeh Stir Fry
Cubed tempeh hits the hot pan for this quick stir-fry dinner. A medley of colorful vegetables play in a delicious soy-based sauce with rice. This Asian-inspired recipe is ready in only 30 minutes!
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Photo credit: madaboutfood.co
Tempeh Stir Fry
Easy Teriyaki Tempeh
Keep it simple yet tasty with this sweet teriyaki tempeh dinner. Cubes of fermented soy are pan-fried until golden, then bathed in a sticky brown sauce, sweetened with coconut sugar and hints of ginger – perfect for serving alongside rice!
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Photo credit: theconscientiouseater.com
Insanely Easy Teriyaki Tempeh
Vegan Tempeh Reuben
This ruben is a king among sandwiches! A mantle of toasted rye bread conceals layers of smoky tempeh, sauerkraut, and a golden crown of vegan Russian dressing. A combination of taste and texture that's truly fit for royalty.
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Photo credit: www.mydarlingvegan.com
tempeh rueben

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24 Protein-Rich Vegan Tempeh Recipes

by Alena Schowalter
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Packed with plant-based protein, tempeh is a fantastic addition to your cooking. Enjoy this fermented soy in gyozas, pizza, wraps, tacos, and more! 
Serves 4

Ingredients

Marinated Tempeh 5-Ways

  • 1 pack tempeh

BBQ

  • BBQ sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Salt

Mexican

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Lime juice
  • Cumin
  • Chil
  • Salt

Herb

  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt

Asian

  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Brown sugar

“Bacon”

  • Oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Liquid smoke
  • Maple syrup
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic

Instructions

  • Cut tempeh into cubes, slices, or triangles. Add to a bowl or plastic bag along with your chosen marinade.
  • Place in the fridge from 1-24 hours to allow to marinade.
  • Once you want to prepare your tempeh, collect the pieces and place them on a grill, in the oven, in a pan, or in an air fryer.

Notes

  • The quantities of the ingredients vary depending on your taste preference. Start with less and work your way up.
  • Remove the bitterness from tempeh by steaming it for 10 minutes before marinating it.
  • Find 22+ delicious vegan tempeh recipes in the article above!
Course: Legumes
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts
24 Protein-Rich Vegan Tempeh Recipes
Amount per Serving
Calories
144
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Sodium
 
228
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
5
g
2
%
Protein
 
12
g
24
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated automatically, their accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Alena sitting in a cafe with a bowl of fresh plant-based food and a glass of coffee in front of her

About Alena Handwritten FontAlena Schowalter is a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with her husband, she founded nutriciously in 2015 and has been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages towards a healthy plant-based diet. She’s received training in the fields of nutrition, music therapy and social work. Alena enjoys discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature and creating new recipes.

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